Bale starts for Wales against Azerbaijan, hasn't played for Real Madrid in 42 days

Bale got injured on 13th October, in the last few minutes of the 1-1 draw with Croatia in matchday 6. The Welshman, who scored his side's goal in the draw, was kept on the park limping as Wales had made their 3 subs.

On his return to Madrid, without any official medical report, Bale began a recovery phase exercising outside the group and missing his side's matches. He hasn't played since 5th October, when Real Madrid faced Granada (4-2) in matchday 8 of La Liga Santander, where he was replaced by the Colombian James Rodriguez in the 83rd minute.

On November 8, after learning that he was being called up by his national team, Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said that Bale was no longer injured, but not available to play because, he indicated that, like the Colombian James Rodriguez, they did not train with the team.

Training that Bale instead took part in days later for Wales as they prepared for their match against Azerbaijan.

Now, 42 days after his last Madrid match, he returned in Baku, where he started and was named captain as Wales aim to qualify for Euro 2020.